Profile updated on 26 October 2023

SUMMARY

SUMMARY

IDENTIFICATION

SCIENTIFIC NAME(s)

Epinephelus morio

SPECIES NAME(s)

Red grouper

COMMON NAMES

Red grouper, Mero

Genetic analyses have shown low genetic variation across Red grouper’s (Epinephelus morio) US and Mexican distribution suggesting the existence of a single stock, but not ruling out the possibility of several reproductively distinct stocks, supported by distribution discontinuity and life-history traits (Richardson and Gold 1997) (Zatcoff et al. 2004) (Chen 2017). Until further studies become available, we are using the former structure. Other reports suggested that Mexican and US stocks are minimally connected (SEDAR 2015), and other that both US management regions have the potential for ecological connectivity (Bernard et al. 2020). Distinct stock assessments are conducted, by both US organizations (GMFMC, SAFMC) and also by Mexican entities. Red grouper is the main species of a multispecies fishery. 


ANALYSIS

Weaknesses
  • The stock structure is not well known and albeit with good coordination, it is assessed and managed separately by various organizations throughout its range. 

SCORES

Management Quality:

Management Strategy:

< 6 to ≥ 8

Managers Compliance:

< 6 to 10.0

Fishers Compliance:

< 6 to 10.0

Smale-Scale Fisheries:

Security of Tenure Rights:
3.6
Participatory Management:
5.5